A 'cool change'
This summer we burnt. A relentless drought and scorching temperatures turned our backyards hard and crunchy, our lofty trees were in distress or died and our native fauna were decimated. We braced for the fires, some of our homes burned and our community was shaken to the core. Then we felt that cool change in the air... and the life-giving rains fell.
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But did you feel the other change that rippled through our towns? It has been swirling around for some time now... growing and swelling... gaining momentum and impetus. Our singed summer galvanised what was for some, an inevitability, and for others it converted apprehension into a realisation - We are in the grips of a climate emergency. Officially the Wingecarribee Shire Council have now declared that we as a community are in a climate emergency. This is not just a symbolic act... these are not empty words... this signals our region's awakening.
With the climate emergency declaration, not only are our councillors acknowledging a need for our community to address carbon emissions in our area in every way possible, but they are also sending the important message to our state and federal leaders that we want immediate and significant action in all aspects of our society to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) tells us that climate related risks to our livelihoods, our health, our food security, water supply, economic growth and human security are all projected to increase with global warming of 1.5 C and increase further with 2 C.
What it also says is that in order to limit global warming to just 1.5 C is going to require 'rapid and far-reaching transitions in energy, land, urban infrastructure (including transport and buildings) and industrial systems'. Southern Highlands resident Scott Gibson is founding member of the local Extinction Rebellion movement. He applauds the WSC Councillors for their recent Climate Emergency declaration.
Mr Gibson is part of a group drawing together a panel of experts who will put to the council and senior staff, both the visions and practicalities of transitioning the shire to net zero emissions and a sustainable mode of functioning. "Given the current reality we are living in we have no choice but to transition. In doing so we open up immense possibility for the region where we go beyond not only surviving, but thriving... economically and socially. " says Mr Gibson.
With the possibility of opportunities opening up in community-generated power, land regeneration, transport and sustainable local food production, Mr Gibson is excited about what the future could hold for the Southern Highlands. But he says in order for this transition to occur, the council needs to pass a resolution that the climate emergency declaration will be at the core of all functioning and decision making at council.
Mr Gibson says "Extinction Rebellion Southern Highlands are calling on all local groups, concerned individuals and council for us all to work together and do this as a united front so that we have a future for ourselves and our children. We believe the will and commitment is there and that we can do this as a united community".
If you are interested in contributing to the citizens assembly or the Extinction Rebellion in any way, please contact Scott Gibson: xr-southernhighlands@hotmail.com
